Belize offers a wealth of opportunities for students of biology, geography, history and outdoor education. The following is only one of our Belize itineraries. Please enquire if you are interested in details of others which include more of a rainforest and or Mayan history focus.

Daily Itinerary
B= breakfast L = lunch D = dinner

Day 1: Arrive at the Belize International airport and transfer to Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. After settling into our quarters we are led by a senior zookeeper on a unique nocturnal tour of the Belize Zoo. Organized around the theme of "a walk through the habitats of Belize" with trails leading into pinelands, the forest edge, rainforest and wetlands we are able to see first-hand the remarkable diversity of wildlife in the neo-tropics. The Belize Zoo has gained an international reputation for it's outstanding conservation and education achievements within Belize. Overnight: Tropical Education Center. D

Day 2: An early start this morning, as we travel west to the edge of the Mountain Pine Ridge where we begin our remarkable journey back through time into the dark underworld of the Maya. Our destination-Actun Tunichil Muknal-the Cave of the Stone Sepulcher (burial vault) is reached after driving ten miles of back roads, hiking a rainforest trail and wading through waist deep creeks. Once at the cave entrance we gear up with helmets and waterproof lights, then wade into the clear, cool water that flows out from the cave mouth. Inside the cave we follow the creek bed to the entrance of a massive chamber that holds an astonishing array of Mayan artifacts; our light beams illuminate ceramic bowls and vases, stone tools, carved slate altars and eerie calcified skeletons of what are believed to be sacrificial victims dating back centuries to the terminal classic period of the Mayan civilization. To the ancient Maya, the caves were the entrances to Xilbalba (shil-balba), a realm inhabited by demonic spirits and powerful gods, an underworld of untold fears and dreams where Mayan shaman, in supposition to the gods, ventured into darkness to conduct their secretive rituals. In our experience the cave of the Stone Sepulcher is one of the most profound archaeological experiences in the Americas. Overnight: Tropical Education Center. B,L,D

Day 3: We explore and learn about biodiversity and tropical forest ecology. Paddle inflatable kayaks on the Sibun River, hike interpretive trails and enjoy swimming in hidden pools. Overnight: Tropical Education Center. B,L,D

Day 4-8: We travel by motor charter offshore to our basecamp at Halfmoon Cay, Lighthouse Reef. is a stunning 45-acre island with beautiful white sand beaches, coconut groves and a rare littoral hardwood forest. The island is also home to a profusion of wildlife, including a 4,000 strong red-footed booby colony. Because of it's biological diversity and rare beauty, Half-Moon Cay was first protected in 1928 and has the distinction as the first protected marine area in the entire Caribbean. Here we have over 50 miles of pristine coral reefs and remote islands as our natural classroom. Using sea kayaks we are active each day paddling and snorkelling amongst coral reefs and mangroves; we study fish behavior, coral reef ecology and invertebrates with options to include scuba diving in our itinerary. Our sheltered beach and warm water is the perfect setting for developing students snorkeling and sea kayaking ability and appreciation. We also learn about Belizean and Garifuna culture; with creative projects and demonstrations involving crafts, stories and music. Our last evening on the island is a grand celebration with a mouth-watering seafood feast, fresh coconut baking and traditional Garifuna drumming and dancing. Overnight: Halfmoon Cay Basecamp B,L,D

Day 9: After breakfast we transfer by boat back to the coast and travel overland to connect with our international flight home. B

Services

• 2-4 guides/leaders
• Meals as per itinerary
• Accommodations, hotels and camps
• All camping and field facilities
• International flight arrangements (optional)
• Lighthouse Reef Park fees
• Transportation within Belize
• Pre-trip information packages
• Free trip for facilitators
• School Membership with the Belize Audubon Society

Not Included

• Belize Departure Tax - $20US
• Personal gear as specified on equipment list, including masks fins, snorkel
• Items purchased that are of a personal nature
  

Trip Costing
The cost of your Belize trip is based on several factors:

• Group size
• Number of Facilitators
• Activities included
• Dates of travel
• Length of trip
• Itinerary revisions and adjustments are possible and we encourage you to discuss your objectives with our office staff. These changes may effect the trip cost.
  

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